Aiming apparatus for a firearm

ABSTRACT

An aiming apparatus for a firearm has a frame, a plurality of visible and/or invisible light generators connected to the frame, with each light generator operable to propagate planar and/or non-planar light in the forward direction. Each light generator utilizes shaping optics to create straight or curved lines of light. Straight lines of light propagating in a forward direction will create a plane of light, while curved lines of light propagating in a forward direction will create non-planar light. A plurality of planar light oriented in a non-parallel, overlapping relationship creates a straight intersection line of light, while a plurality of non-planar light orientated in a non-parallel, overlapping relationship creates a straight or curved intersection line of light. When projected against a target surface, a plurality of planar lights creates a projected cross shape, which may have an intersection point.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/572,514 filed on Jan. 10, 2022, entitled “AIMING APPARATUS FOR AFIREARM,” which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 63/138,570 filed on Jan. 18, 2021, entitled “X-STREAM,FIREARM TARGETING TECHNOLOGY,” which are hereby incorporated byreference in their entirety for all that is taught and disclosedtherein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to firearms, and more particularly to anaiming apparatus for firearms that provides high accuracy throughout theentire target zone. The term “entire target zone” refers to an area thatis from the firearm's muzzle exit point to a target distance severalfeet beyond the firearm's zero point.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A variety of laser targeting apparatuses have been developed tofacilitate the aiming of a firearm. A conventional aiming apparatusmounted to a firearm employs a single laser dot generator to project acolumn of light downrange to a predicted point of impact. This beam oflight is adjusted in elevation (vertically) and in azimuth(horizontally) to match a specific projectile's flight characteristicsto a point of impact at a predefined distance. This adjustment isreferred to as “zeroing the firearm.”

The inherent disadvantage of conventional concepts and designs of theprior art is the single laser dot generator is mounted offset from thefirearm's barrel axis. This offset has built-in inaccuracy throughoutthe entire target zone. When a conventional aiming apparatus is attachedto the top of the firearm, the laser dot will have only two points whereit intersects the projectile's trajectory (one before the projectilereaches its apex and one at the firearm's zero point). For any othermounting orientations (bottom/side), the laser dot is accurate only atthe firearm's zero point.

However, depending on the projectile's initial velocity and thefirearm's distance to target, a majority of the projectile's trajectorycould be offset by several inches from where the laser dot is located.So, switching from one target distance to another can adversely affectaccuracy when it is impractical to adjust the aiming apparatus betweentargets.

In a different industry, a pair of planar light generators have beenused to create an intersection of light registered with the axis of adrill press bit to visually convey where the bit will drill a hole on aconnected workpiece. However, this application does not attempt toapproximate the curved path of a gravity-affected projectile.Furthermore, this application is intended for use within a few feet ofwhere the planar light generators are mounted rather than projecting alocation on an object at a substantial distance.

Therefore, a need exists for a new and improved aiming apparatus for afirearm that provides high accuracy throughout the entire target zone.In this regard, the present invention with all the various embodiments,substantially depart from the conventional concepts and designs of priorart. Developed primarily for improving firearm aiming, the aimingapparatus for a firearm overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages anddrawbacks of the prior art. As such, the general purpose of the presentinvention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is toprovide an improved aiming apparatus for a firearm that has all theadvantages of the prior art mentioned above. In doing so, the presentinvention provides a highly accurate targeting system for any pointwithin the entire target zone.

Each embodiment of the present invention utilizes two or more visible orinvisible light generators that conventional aiming apparatuses use.However, the present invention adds shaping optic(s), optic coating(s)and/or optic etching(s) to each light generator, expanding the dot inone direction and creating a line of light (straight line) whenprojected onto a surface. The addition of other shaping optic(s), opticcoating(s) and/or optic etching(s) can transform a straight line oflight into a curved line of light when projected onto a surface. Theselight generators propagate a plane of light (straight line) ornon-planar light (curved line) downrange from the host firearm.

To attain a more accurate targeting system, the preferred embodiment ofthe present invention essentially comprises a frame, a plurality ofplanar light generators connected to the frame, projecting forward in anon-parallel orientation, create intersecting planes of light. Thisintersection of light is aligned to the exit point of the firearm'smuzzle axis. When projected against a target surface, the intersectionof light appears as a cross, predicting a point of impact for the zeroedhost firearm.

Other embodiments utilize a plurality of planar and/or non-planar lightgenerator combinations connected to the frame. Planar lights align withthe exit point of the firearm's muzzle axis, while non-planar lights canbe aligned with or concentric to the exit point of the firearm's muzzleaxis.

Other embodiments utilize a plurality of non-planar light generatorsaligned so the intersection of light will be at different elevationsthroughout the entire target zone, thereby adjusting the elevation ofthe intersection of light to closely match the projectile's trajectorypath.

The present invention's intersection of light is aligned to both theexit point of the firearm muzzle axis and the predicted impact point ofthe target, effectively drawing a line of aim through both points.Because of to the geometry between the intersection of light and theprojectile's trajectory, the intersection of light is more accurate ateach end of the projectile's flight path and is less accurate at thecenter or apex of the projectile's trajectory.

Thus, the greater the projectile's velocity and/or the shorter thetarget distance, the shallower the trajectory arc. This in turn reducesthe projectile's apex height, increasing the accuracy of the presentinvention's intersection of light throughout the entire target zone.There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will bedescribed hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of theclaims attached.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more importantfeatures of the invention in order that the detailed description thereofthat follows, may be better understood, and in order that the presentcontribution to the art may be better appreciated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of the current embodiment of an aiming apparatusfor a firearm constructed in accordance with the principles of thepresent invention in use attached to a pistol.

FIG. 2 is a left side view of the aiming apparatus for a firearm of FIG.1 in use attached to a pistol.

FIG. 3 is a schematic showing how the planar light generators of theaiming apparatus for a firearm of FIG. 1 generate a projectedintersection of light at locations closely approximating theprojectile's curved path fired by the pistol.

FIG. 4 is a schematic of the aiming apparatus for a firearm of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 5A is a front view of the aiming apparatus for a firearm of FIG. 1in use attached to a pistol with both of the planar light generators notaligned to the exit point of the firearm's muzzle axis.

FIG. 5B is a front view of the aiming apparatus for a firearm of FIG. 1in use attached to a pistol with one of the planar light generatorsaligned to the exit point of the firearm's muzzle axis and one of theplanar light generators not aligned to the exit point of the firearm'smuzzle axis.

FIG. 5C is a front view of the aiming apparatus for a firearm of FIG. 1in use attached to a pistol with both of the planar light generatorsaligned to the exit point of the firearm's muzzle axis.

FIG. 6 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the aimingapparatus for a firearm having two pairs of planar light generators inuse attached to an over/under shotgun.

FIG. 7 is a schematic of the projected shapes resulting from embodimentshaving various arrangements of planar light and non-planar lightgenerators propagating flat and curved light, respectfully.

FIG. 8 is a front view of a second alternative embodiment of the aimingapparatus for a firearm having three pairs of light generators in use,attached to a pistol. The second alternative embodiment utilizes a rangefinder and applies power to the closest intersection of light (set ofline generators) for a specific projectile trajectory.

FIG. 9 illustrates a stairstep mapping of the three projectedintersection lines of FIG. 8 , overlayed on a projectile's trajectory.

FIG. 10 is a front view of a third alternative embodiment of the aimingapparatus for a firearm attached to a pistol. The third alternativeembodiment has a pair of optical motors to rotate each light generator'sshaping optics. The third alternative embodiment utilizes a range finderand adjusts the intersection of light's (set of line generators)location relative to the projectile's performance data, therebypredicting a point of impact throughout the entire flight path.

FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic of an application screen correspondingthe flight data and predicted point of impact described in FIG. 10 .

The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout thevarious figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT EMBODIMENT

An embodiment of the aiming apparatus for a firearm of the presentinvention is shown and generally designated by the reference numeral 10.

FIGS. 1, 2 & 4 illustrate the improved aiming apparatus 10 for a firearm12 of the present invention, and FIG. 3 illustrates how the improvedaiming apparatus increases accuracy throughout the entire target zone,which is defined by a projectile's path 56. More particularly, FIGS. 1 &2 show the aiming apparatus for a firearm in use attached to a firearm12 having a barrel 14 defining a barrel axis 16 and terminating in amuzzle 18 at a forward end 20. In the current embodiment, the firearm isa pistol. The aiming apparatus 10 for a firearm has a frame 22 with aplurality of planar light generators 24 and shaping optics 40 connectedto the frame. Each of the planar light generators is operable to projectplanar light 26 in a forward direction. The shaping optics 40 areoriented with the planar lights in a non-parallel relationship to eachother. This intersection of planar lights creates intersection line 28as shown in FIG. 3 , propagating in the forward direction. Whenprojected against a target surface 30 as shown in FIG. 7 , the planarlights form a projected cross shape 32 having an intersection point 62.The intersection points 62 are part of intersection line 28 in FIG. 3 .As is shown in FIG. 3 , the intersection line closely approximates theprojectile's path, within the range defining the entire target zone. Itshould be appreciated that the planar lights 26 do not generate acomplete projected cross shape when the target surface is at closerange, typically less than 20 ft. away, depending on the characteristicsof the optic prescription and host firearm. Non-crossing lines can serveas a “warning zone” to the user that the target is too close foradequate reaction time. It should also be appreciated that the uncrossedplanar lights point to the intersection's center where the projectileshould closely impact. Beyond the target zone, the projectile pathdiverges sufficiently from intersection line 28 to define an unusabledrop zone. Here, the projected cross shape and intersection line nolonger represent the projectile path with adequate accuracy to beuseful.

In a separate embodiment, it should be appreciated that with a change ofoptics, light generators can propagate non-planar light (a curved linetraveling through space). When aligned to the exit point of thefirearm's muzzle 98 shown in FIG. 3 , the non-planar light generatorsare located on the firearm 12 near the barrel 14 to define a curvedprojectile trajectory path 56. Each set of optics is removable and canbe exchanged with a different optic prescription to match a differentprojectile's flight characteristics. Each set of optics is designed tomatch a specific projectile's flight profile. All optic sets aredesigned to imitate a projectile's flight path 56 for a specificdistance, passing through the points where the non-planar lights expandenough in length to touch intersection point 58 and a target's predictedpoint of impact 60. Certain optic prescriptions for non-planar lights(curved lines propagating through space) create an intersection line 28that is curved.

FIG. 4 illustrates the improved aiming apparatus 10 for a firearm of thepresent invention. More particularly, the aiming apparatus for a firearmincludes a rail interface region 70 attached to the frame 22 and acontrol facility 54 contained within the frame. The rail interfaceregion 70 is releasably connected to a picatinny rail 72 formed by theunderside of the firearm 12 near the barrel 14. The rail interfaceregion may include two retaining plates 76. A return spring 80 (whichcan be a compression spring or a torsional spring) provides pressureagainst a rail release latch 88, pressing and securely locking the railrelease latch into the rail 72. The rail interface region also includesfour horizontal alignment set screws 82 and dual vertical adjustmentknobs 84. It should be appreciated that vertical and horizontaladjustments can be made using any suitable assortment of set screws,knobs and/or levers. The control facility is suitable for ambidextroususe and includes two power buttons 92, an electronic board 114, tworecharging contacts 86, and two power indicators 94. In the currentembodiment, the power indicators illuminate red to indicate a charge isneeded and illuminate blue to indicate fully charged. The controlfacility also includes batteries 74, a plurality of light generators 24,and shaping optics 40. It should be appreciated that the shaping opticsmay include up to twelve optics and eighteenalignment/adjustment/focusing features.

FIGS. 5A-C are identical images, except for the shaping optics' 40rotational position. FIGS. 5A-C illustrate how the shaping optics 40 ofthe improved aiming apparatus 10 are aligned to a firearm 12 of thepresent invention, by rotating clockwise or counterclockwise, to aligneach emitted planar light 26 to pass through the exit point of themuzzle axis 98. FIG. 5A shows both sets of shaping optics 40 misaligned,with neither planar light 26 passing through the muzzle axis exit point98. In FIG. 5B, the left shaping optics have been rotatedcounterclockwise relative to the position shown in FIG. 5A so the planarlight emitted by the left shaping optics passes through the muzzle axisexit point. In FIG. 5C, the right shaping optics have been rotatedclockwise relative to the position shown in FIG. 5A so the planar lightemitted by the right shaping optics passes through the muzzle axis exitpoint. It should be appreciated that when both planar lights passthrough the muzzle axis exit point 98, the crossing planar lights 26create the intersection line 28 extending in the forward direction.

The planar lights 26 can be adjusted relative to each other by rotatingthe shaping optics 40. Changing the angular relationship between eachplanar light will alter the intersection lines' 28 position in space,creating a lateral offset relative to the exit point of the muzzle axis98. In the context of the specification, “lateral” is used broadly toinclude any offset, in any direction away from or towards the exit pointof the muzzle axis, including to the right or left, up or down, or anycombination thereof. A plurality of set screws enables the user tosecure each set of shaping optics in a selected position.

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the improved aimingapparatus 100 for a firearm of the present invention. More particularly,the aiming apparatus 100 for a firearm is suitable for use with anover/under shotgun 102 having an upper barrel 104 and a lower barrel106. The upper barrel defines an upper barrel axis 108, and the lowerbarrel defines a lower barrel axis 110. The over/under shotgun is shownin use by a user 112. The aiming apparatus for a firearm 100 consists oftwo identical subassemblies, one oriented and secured 180° relative tothe other, shown to the left and right of the over/under shotgunbarrels. Each subassembly includes a frame 122 that connects to theupper and lower barrels. Each frame contains a plurality of planar lightgenerators 40 and shaping optics 42, 44, which are oriented to projectplanar lights 26 in the forward direction, crossing each barrel's axis.The upper two light generators 44 combine to create an intersection line48, which is aligned to the upper barrel's axis. The lower two lightgenerators 42 combine to create an intersection line 46, which isaligned to the lower barrel's axis. The first intersection line 46 isvertically offset from the second intersection line 48. The firstintersection line is associated with a projectile's path, correspondingto the projectile fired by the lower barrel, while the secondintersection line is associated with a second projectile's path,corresponding to the projectile fired by the upper barrel. The controlfacility 54 is operable to selectively operate either the first pair 42or the second pair 44 of planar lights, depending on which barrel theuser wishes to discharge. This embodiment also includes a plurality ofLEDs to serve as flashlights 90. It should be appreciated that theplanar and non-planar lights and light emitted by the LED flashlightscan be any desired wavelength or combination of wavelengths, includingboth visible and invisible wavelengths.

FIG. 7 illustrates projected shapes against a target surface 30resulting from a variety of embodiments of the improved aiming apparatus10, 300, 400, and 500 for a firearm. Each embodiment includes aplurality of planar and non-planar light generators 24 and shapingoptics 40 types and positions, typically arranged in pairs. As is shown,the lights emitted by the light generators and associated shaping opticscan be flat planes 34 creating flat lines 32 on target surfaces 30, orcurved non-planar features 36 creating curved lines 38 on targetsurfaces 30.

FIG. 8 illustrates a second alternative embodiment of the improvedaiming apparatus 200 for a firearm 12 of the present invention, and FIG.9 illustrates how the improved aiming apparatus 200 increases accuracythroughout the target zone defined by projectile path 56. The aimingapparatus 200 for a firearm includes a frame 222 that is attached to thepicatinny rail 72 of a firearm 12 by a rail interface region 270. Aplurality of light generators 24 and shaping optics are connected to theframe. Each of the light generators is operable to project planar light26 in the forward direction. The light generators include a first pair42 operable to generate a first intersection line 46 and a second pairof light generators 44 operable to generate a second intersection line48, which is different from the first intersection line. The firstintersection line is vertically offset from the second intersectionline. The first intersection line is associated with the projectile path56 over a first range of distances 50, and the second intersection lineis associated with the projectile path over a second range of distances52. The light generators also include a third pair 66 operable togenerate a third intersection line 68 different and vertically offsetfrom the first and second intersection lines. The third intersectionline is associated with the projectile path over a third range ofdistance 64. The control facility 54 enables the operator to selectivelyenergize either the first pair 42, the second pair 44, or the third pair66 of light generators based on the distance to target surface 30. Theability to select which set of light generators is operated in astairstep targeting system ensures the light projected against a targetsurface will provide greater point of impact accuracy than the priorart. Furthermore, the ability to better approximate the curvedprojectile path using stepped intersection lines resulting from multiplepairs of light generators increases the distance defined by the targetzone and decreases the size of the “warning zone” that the target is tooclose for adequate reaction time. It should also be appreciated that thethree intersection lines do not have to be parallel to each other. Thefirst intersection line could be angled upwards, the second intersectionline could be horizontal, and the third intersection line could beangled downwards to create a polygonal approximation of the projectilepath instead of a stepped approximation.

The control facility 54 can also include a range finder 96 to measurethe distance to target surface 30 and the capability of automaticallyselecting which pair of light generators 42, 44, 66 to operate based onthe measured distance to best approximate the projectile path 56 at themeasured distance. The range finder could also be used to calibrate aselected pair of light generators for a specific distance.

FIG. 10 illustrates a third alternative embodiment of the improvedaiming apparatus 600 for a firearm 12 of the present invention. Theaiming apparatus 600 for a firearm includes a frame 622 that is attachedto the picatinny rail 72 of a firearm by a rail interface region 670. Aplurality of light generators 24 and motorized shaping optics 78 areconnected to the frame. Each of the planar light generators is operableto project planar light 26 in a forward direction. The motorized shapingoptics 78 are oriented with the planar lights in a non-parallelrelationship to each other and are aligned to the exit point of themuzzle axis 98. After the operator inputs the projectile performancedata and the distance of the firearm's zero point, the control facility54 can then use the range finder 96 and windage readings to adjust theplanar lights 26 clockwise or counterclockwise, which in turn willrelocate the intersection line 28 up, down, left and/or right relativeto the intersection line's original starting point. This capabilityenables the intersection line's location to be located precisely at theprojectile's point of impact, at any distance throughout the entiretarget zone.

FIG. 11 in conjunction with FIG. 3 illustrates an associated applicationand how the improved aiming apparatus 600, along with the projectileperformance data, adjusts the projected intersection location throughthe use of range finder and windage sensor readings to provide preciseprojectile impact location throughout the target zone as defined byprojectile path 154. Based on user input of projectile performance data150, the distance the firearm is zeroed to 152, and the distance theplanar lights 26 have to travel to start crossing 58, the applicationcalculates the projectile trajectory 154, the projectile apex 156 ofthat trajectory, and the “warning zone” 158. Using the range finder, theapplication screen provides distance readings and vertical intersectionadjustments 160 to realign the intersection line's 28 location, keepingthe intersection line's point of impact 62 on the projectile path forthat specific distance 162. Once the firearm is discharged, theprojectile performance data is logged 164, target distance readings andintersection vertical adjustments are logged 166, and target locationalong the projectile trajectory is marked 168. Based on wind readings,the control facility 54 can automatically adjust the intersectionlocation 170 to compensate for projectile drift at a specific distance.The operator can manually adjust the intersection location up, down,left, or right in increments of a specified resolution 172.

The associated application illustrated in FIG. 11 can be connected tothe improved aiming apparatus 600 via USB data cable, or Bluetooth, orother suitable methods of data transfer. Law enforcement and militaryunits have an accelerometer and GPS unit options, allowing the controlfacility to log the time, date and GPS location of every round fired.

In the context of the specification, the terms “rear” and “rearward,”and “front” and “forward,” have the following definitions: “rear” or“rearward” means in the direction away from the muzzle of the firearmwhile “front” or “forward” means it is in the direction towards themuzzle of the firearm.

While a current embodiment of an aiming apparatus for a firearm has beendescribed in detail, it should be apparent that modifications andvariations thereto are possible, all of which fall within the truespirit and scope of the invention. Although pistols and shotguns havebeen disclosed, the aiming apparatus for a firearm is also suitable foruse with rifles, light and medium machine guns, and other firearms. Withrespect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimumdimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to includevariations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner ofoperation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious toone skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to thoseillustrated in the drawings and described in the specification areintended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of theprinciples of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications andchanges will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is notdesired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operationshown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications andequivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of theinvention.

I claim:
 1. An aiming apparatus for a firearm having a barrel defining abarrel axis and terminating in a muzzle at a forward end, the apparatuscomprising: a frame; a plurality of beam generators connected to theframe below the barrel axis; each of the beam generators operable toproject in the forward direction a planar beam; and the beam generatorsoriented with the planar beams in a non-parallel relationship in whichthe planar beams intersect along an intersection line extending in theforward direction.